| Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 ★★★☆ | | Print | |
| Reviews - Movies 2011 |
| Wednesday, 13 July 2011 00:00 |
|
DANIEL RADCLIFFE as Harry Potter in Warner Bros. Pictures’ fantasy adventure “HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS – PART 2,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
As if we had just returned from a very long intermission, director David Yates jumps right in to the story, reminding us only that Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes, “The Reader” 2008) has opened Dumbledore’s crypt to secure the Elder Wand. Raising and pointing the omnipotent wand to the sky, Voldemort appears to possess all he needs to defeat Harry Potter. The Elder Wand is one of the three fabled Deathly Hallows, the others being the Invisibility Cloak and the Resurrection Stone. The expert wand maker, Ollivander (John Hurt, “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” 2008), warns Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) that Voldemort’s possession of the Elder Wand diminishes any chance of defeating Voldemort. This knowledge seems only to reinforce Harry’s determination to find and destroy the four remaining Horcruxes (items that house a piece of Voldemort’s soul). Harry and his two steadfast friends, Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), quickly charge ahead. Acting on a lead from the goblin, Griphook (Warwick Davis, who also appears as Professor Filius Flitwick), they must sneak into Gringotts Bank − specifically, into the vault of Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter, “The King’s Speech” 2010). To pull this off, the trio’s plan begins with Hermione using Polyjuice Potion to appear as Bellatrix. Not to be confusing, but it was quite entertaining to see Carter playing the part of Hermione personifying Bellatrix. From here, the action really takes off. As Harry and his friends continue their quest, they face many obstacles, including a fire breathing dragon, giants, huge spiders and a plethora of Death Eaters (followers of Voldemort). Their journey eventually leads them back to Hogwarts, the beloved school where it all began, which will now be where it all ends. Severus Snape (Alan Rickman, “Alice in Wonderland” 2010) has succeeded Dumbledore as head master, which doesn’t appear to bode well for the students, as Harry, Ron and Hermione soon discover. It is upon their return that the three are finally reunited with the remaining members of the Order of the Phoenix, along with those students who formed Dumbledore’s Army, including Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright), much to Harry’s delight. Harry’s supporters rally to fight a battle − to the death, if necessary. Voldemort and his army of Death Eaters are descending upon Hogwarts, which is no longer a safe haven. One of the more impressive scenes in the movie takes place in the Room of Requirement, as Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), with cohorts Blaise and Goyle by his side, confronts Harry, demanding the return of his wand, which was taken by Harry at the end of Part One. A wonderfully action packed scene, to be sure, but also one full of emotion and heart. In contrast, another scene worthy of mention finds Harry in discussion with his mentor and constant ally, Dumbledore (Michael Gambon, “The King’s Speech” 2010). This scene is completely null of action, but equally impressive, with its reflective overtone. Part 2 summons some additional heroes, some more unlikely than others, Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) being the frontrunner. The troubling times have him mustering courage from deep inside, and it looks good on him. Ron’s mother, Mrs. Weasley (Julie Walters, “Mamma Mia!” 2008), also has her moment to shine, one which prompted applause from the audience. Readers of the book will know exactly what I am referring to, as this was a highlight not easily forgotten. Unfortunately, I feel that this scene was not given the respect it deserved. It came and went much too quickly, with no build up whatsoever. In other words, the hero should never come along to save the day until after the audience has had a chance to sit on the edge of their seat for a good bit. Overall, the movie is quite satisfying, but with a run time of 2 hours and 10 minutes, I have to wonder why some scenes felt too rushed. Since this is the final movie in a series of eight, it seems that audiences would have been more than willing to sit through an extra 10 or 20 minutes. After all, it’s not every day that we get to see Professor McGonagall (Academy Award Winner Maggie Smith, “Gnomeo and Juliet” 2011) battle Snape, Ron and Hermione share their first kiss, or Harry go head to head, wand to wand, against He Who Must Not Be Named. Speaking of wands, pay close attention to all the discussion of wands throughout the movie; they play an important role, as does the ongoing theme of the strength of a mother’s love, and the power and importance of friendship, loyalty and trust. The series has many wonderful messages and life lessons, such as those mentioned above; however, as with Part 1, this movie is rated PG-13 with good reason. The series of movies (and books) grew up along with the characters (pertinent to the series’ success), and parents should use their discretion before taking young children to see this movie. Generally, I would not recommend it for those under 10 years of age. Tyna S. Cline © July 13, 2011
|
